Evesham United clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bashley to climb into third place in the league.

The Robins triumphed at Bashley Road in the New Forest thanks to Regan Messenger's double and a Levi Steele penalty overcoming the host's goals from Luke Delaney and Lewis Ross.

Bashley were faster out the blocks, as Robins keeper Alex Harris was chipped by the surging Delaney in the second minute.

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However, a determined Evesham United tightened their play after conceding early.

Will Owens' powerful, swerving ball under the crossbar at the near post was only partially saved by Bashley keeper Mack Allan.

The loose ball fell favourably for Evesham’s Messenger, who skillfully hooked it over Allan's shoulder and into the net, levelling things up.

Growing in composure after the equaliser, the Robins had a couple more chances, with Amer Awadh's effort just going over the bar and a similar attempt from Ethan Moran grazing the crossbar.

Despite a strong performance from Bashley's Delaney and Luke Holmes, and steely defensive work from Toby Raison, Evesham took the lead on 31 minutes.

A penalty went Evesham's way when Aaron Heap's 20-yard strike was deemed to have hit the arm of Bashley’s Charlie Wagstaffe.

Levi Steele stepped up for the spot kick and sent Allan the wrong way from 12 yards.

However Bashley, undeterred, soon equalised again.

Holmes powered through the midfield, laying the ball off to Ross who finished with a powerful shot.

However, Evesham's Heap quickly helped restored their lead, crossing the ball to the near post where Messenger fired a powerful header past Allan.

The referee's whistle ended a thrilling first half as Evesham went into the changing rooms leading 3-2.

After the break, Bashley started brightly but could not penetrate the Robins’ defence.

Lewis Waterfield's stellar effort was nicely blocked by Toby Raison, while Conor Whiteley's shot was easily saved by Harris.

The Robins offered little, but still managed to hold on to their lead, securing the three points that saw them moved above the hosts in the Southern League Division One South.